BMW R90 Custom Parts

Robust sales of the /5 models paved the way for one of BMW’s more daring designs to debut in 1974: the R90S. This model would push the German maker into the rarified air of the Japanese superbikes that were coming into focus. Although still powered by the traditional boxer engine, the R90S had added power and revolutionary design elements, created by Hans Muth.

The bikini fairing was the most obvious upgrade, and behind it was a concise instrument panel fitted with a nice array of gauges. The fairing, fuel tank, and tail section added up to a streamlined look that was accented by two-tone paint schemes: Smoke Silver or Daytona Orange.

A pair of Dell’Orto 38mm carbs fed the 898cc twin, which put out 67 horsepower at 7,000rpm. An extra gear ratio brought the total to five, another first for the German maker. A pair of disc brakes were installed at the front, helping it to slow down from its 124 mph top speed. The 1974 edition brakes were not drilled, unlike the 1975 and 1976 versions.

The premier edition cost 3,430US$, almost twice the cost of any Japanese sport machine of the same period. The low production figures have made the R90S one of BMW’s most coveted collector models.

We at Omega Racer offer a steadily growing number of custom made parts for the R90, including handcrafted aluminium gas tanks, fairings, seat cowls, full exhaust systems and slip-on mufflers.